The hardest teeth in the living world belong to a tiny mollusk

Science · Published 8 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: While most creatures rely on calcium, chitons use a much tougher method. This video explores how a specific species of mollusk produces the hardest and stiffest biominerals ever discovered in living organisms.

Chitons are mollusks that must constantly scrape algae from rocks to survive. This abrasive lifestyle requires teeth that can withstand extreme wear and tear. Research indicates that one particular species possesses teeth made of biominerals that are the hardest and stiffest of any living thing identified to date.

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